Senator Payne is expected to face questions on Thursday about the blocking of another major Chinese investment in Australia.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has indicated he will likely reject a $13 billion takeover of Australia's largest gas pipeline business APA Group by a Hong Kong-based company.

His preliminary decision comes just months after the government quashed Chinese telco Huawei's plans to build part of Australia's 5G network.

Mr Frydenberg said the proposed acquisition by CK Group would have established a dominant foreign player in Australia's most significant gas transmission business, and therefore was not in the national interest.

He is expected to make a final decision within weeks.

Centre Alliance Senator Rex Patrick is a vocal opponent of the takeover bid, fearing it could give China too much control over vital energy assets.